Understanding Type 5 Diabetes: What You Need to Know
Nearly 30 million adults in the U.S. are living with diabetes, with type 2 diabetes making up 90-95% of these cases. While type 1 diabetes, which constitutes around 5-10% of cases, is well-known, researchers have identified a lesser-known type called type 5 diabetes, or malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus (MRDM). This new classification may require special attention and treatment.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults, but it can also occur in children. Key risk factors include family history, age, obesity, and an unhealthy lifestyle, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Dr. Jeffrey Hockings, founder of the Diabetes Reversal Group, explains that type 2 diabetes is largely caused by insulin resistance. This happens when a person consumes a high-sugar and high-carb diet over many years, leading the body to resist its own insulin. As a result, blood sugar levels remain high, often requiring medication or insulin for control. Fortunately, type 2 diabetes can often be reversed through lifestyle changes.
Conversely, type 1 diabetes occurs when the body either cannot produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it. This form of diabetes is typically “juvenile” and is often associated with genetic factors or autoimmune diseases. Those diagnosed with type 1 must rely on daily insulin injections or pumps for survival.
What is Type 5 Diabetes?
Type 5 diabetes (MRDM) is primarily caused by chronic undernutrition and significant health disparities. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), it can be diagnosed in children, teens, and even adults. Key symptoms include noticeable weight loss, fatigue, increased susceptibility to infections, frequent urination, and excessive thirst.
Tanya Freirich, a registered dietitian specializing in diabetes, states that this condition often affects people with a low body mass index (BMI) who have been malnourished during their growth years. It’s important to note that these individuals do not develop the same insulin resistance typical of those with type 2 diabetes.
Despite similarities with both type 1 and type 2, type 5 diabetes has distinct features that support its classification as a separate condition. This new type was officially recognized at recent international diabetes conferences.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosing type 5 diabetes involves a review of medical history, particularly around malnutrition and BMI, along with blood glucose tests. Treatment focuses on correcting nutritional deficiencies and may include insulin therapy, which must be carefully monitored to avoid dangerously low blood sugar levels. A high-protein diet and possibly oral medications are also part of the management strategy.
Freirich emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unique metabolic patterns found in type 5 diabetes, such as its susceptibility to low blood sugar and the need for a tailored diet plan.
If you’re experiencing symptoms associated with any type of diabetes, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper testing and a personalized treatment plan.
